I learned from one of my first clients – almost a decade ago – that organization that works is organization that fits the person. And it’s the cherry on top if your system can evoke your imagination.
We were organizing her craft room and I wanted a neat and tidy solution for her ribbons (and she had a LOT). She insisted on taking her favorite shimmery ribbons and spilling them about on an antique plate that was also scattered with her favorite buttons. She told me that seeing these accessories inspired her and made her want to take on the next project. She said seeing her ribbons displayed like that (like an “I Spy” book) was like “eye candy” to her.
From then on, I tuned in more closely to each client to see if they had the same aesthetic preferences. I want to help tap into all the senses and evoke imagination with each client.
So, when you think about getting organized, don’t limit yourself to “containerizing” and labeling…think about what would evoke your senses and put a smile on your face! Here are a few ways I’ve tapped into imagination in my own systems:
- I’ve arranged my son’s metal airplanes under his bed. We call it his “hangar.” I love watching him take friends and drag them up to his room to show off his “hang-ah”. I can just see the wheels turning in his head as he imagines the runway and the planes taxiing. As early as 9 months his airport sound effects started developing!
- Inside my linen closet, I’ve put an unexpected box of potpourri…so now the soothing smell of that closet is a little extra touch that inspires me to keep it organized.
- I’ve become increasingly daring with my beloved teacup collection, stacking up to three cups inside one another and balancing the plates along the back rail to show off their fabulous designs. I’ve inserted everything from tattered doilies to pocket watches amongst my collection for a bit of family history. I just love to handle the china and arrange it and just savor all the associated memories. After all, that’s what a collection is all about.
Too often, we don’t enjoy our “good things” because we’re afraid something will happen to them. During my recent move, I broke a handle on my forget-me-not and lilly of the valley cup. I was only fleetingly sad as I remembered the friend who gave it to me. The handle is just sitting in the cup, hoping I’ll repair it soon. Even if I don’t I’ll still have the saucer. But you don’t notice it amongst the overflowing pattern and variety that surrounds it. Just like shimmery ribbons and buttons, my teacup collection is organized in my own way….in stacked, gleaming, jaunty glory. It’s my eye candy.
Here’s to using YOUR imagination in your next organizing project,
Related:
- Read more about Enjoying Your Collections
- Get hands on help from our professional organizers
